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It might be possible for you to get a mortgage (not sure the wife needs a income). Try SCB. They were helpful when my wife (Thai) and I posed the question to them this past summer. They would allow us to combine our incomes on the application. (We both live and work in the USA) We didn't ask any questions about the terms or down payment requirements. If I'm remembering correctly, in order to take out a loan for 3 million baht; they wanted us to be making 60,000 baht per month.

Razzell - We went to an SCB on Ramkhamhaeng in front of a Big C around Soi 170 something.

Today, my wife and I went to SCB to find out if it's possible for my wife to take out a mortgage. The answer was yes. She is not required to live in Thailand. Our combined incomes can be used to secure the loan. She does not have to make monthly deposits into a Thai bank account, though it was recommended. We did not discuss terms.

Thank you all for your replies. I was really hoping that neither of us would would be required to be working in Thailand, but we'll make a few phone calls. Thanks again.

My wife (Thai) and I are interested in taking out a mortgage in Thailand. (We both live in the USA) We will be in Bangkok in the near future and would like to visit with a few banks. My wife does not have a Thai bank account or any past credit, but she has her own US bank account. Also, she has been consistently employed for the last 5 years with an international company and her checks have always been deposited directly into her US account.

Is it possible for her to get a mortgage even though she doesn’t live in Thailand? If so, from what I’ve read, she would need to establish some sort of credit in Thailand. Yes? To do that, would she simply need to start depositing her income into a Thai bank? Which bank(s) should we consider speaking with? I’ve seen SCB mentioned, but I’d like to know of others. Lastly, if we wanted to buy a condo (while both of us are working and living here) and put it in both of our names, would I also need to establish credit in Thailand??? Is that even possible? We'd appreciate any information that any of you can provide. Thanks.

I would be trying the markets at Chutachuk in general. Lots of nice stuff there at what seems to be reasonable prices.

But nothing old, unless I'm looking in the wrong place.

I've been through all of Chutuchak a number of times looking for "flea market" type stuff and I've never come across any of it there. Like you, I've been to a number of antique shops too, but they only carried very old and expensive items. It would think there has to be a shop that carries 50,60,70ish year old merchandise in Bangkok.

Also, I asked my father-in-law if he knew where I could by an old Thai license plate (thinking that might get me to where I want).... and he didn't have a clue.

Good question. I hope you get some answers. There is a 2-3 story mall across the street from Chatuchuk that has a number shops that sell flea market type stuff. Although, the "merchandise" is mostly re-makes of older stuff. One shop in particular does have many real older buddhas, irons, telephones, some furniture, etc. It's really small, has glass walls, and is located near the escalator.

I've had my wife ask her dad if he knew of a place, I've checked out a few pawn shops, and had my wife ask around some, but I've never been able to find a place.

Good luck

I've searched myself over the past five years but never found the fluffy Gold Toes socks. With that said, I think they would be too hot for this climate anyway.

It's really good to know that I'm not the only one searching for the elusive "fluffy gold toe" socks.

There aren't many things I haven't been able to find here...gold toe fluffy socks is one...little sweet gherkin pickles are another. A 40 year sock habit is hard to break! But I'm not complaining!

I borrowed a pair of those socks from someone in Chaiyapum and afterwards, looked all over for them in Thailand. Best socks I ever wore. I'm currently in the states. 40 year habit? What's the brandname? Where did you used to buy them? Thanks. Heck, I'll mail you some if you point me in the right direction!

I've searched myself over the past five years but never found the fluffy Gold Toes socks. With that said, I think they would be too hot for this climate anyway.

It's really good to know that I'm not the only one searching for the elusive "fluffy gold toe" socks.

/As for commuting.... at this point in time my husband does 45 kms to work every day.... so wouldnt be new and crazy to him.... at least there he will eventually have a driver, so no stress on him driving!/

You have no idea. Good luck to your husband.

Read some books with BKK as the setting. Jot down some places that are mentioned in the book, that are interesting to you, and get out to see them. One thing leads to another. IMHO It's a pretty good way to have an interesting day. Got out to see Zii Oui the other day just for something to do. Practiced my Thai with some strangers and had a good time. Maybe, Wat Mae Nak tomorrow. The little trips out always seem add something unexpected/stimulating to my days.

If you find yourself around Ramkhamhang 164 (Minburi) you might like to check it out. (there's a well run pizza joint, a nice little sports bar, and of course a number of thai restaraunts)

Even better, a little further down, adjacent to the Big C, maybe like Soi 170ish, the place comes alive (about 200 yards in) early in the eavning with food stalls galour!!!! Great food, all Thai, lots of energy, temperature always seems pretty cool with the breezes, ... it's like a little town square. I think its really cool.

Lived on Soi 16 for a few months. I thought it was a great location to live.

If you take the train .... you still have to take a bus to the ferry which is at the very least a 30 minute ride on the heels of the long train ride. Too many steps and too long in total.

Either take the bus or fly. Forget the train.

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My wife (Thai) and I plan to spend 4-5 days on Samui this summer. We won't have a clue of what a fair fare is on the island.

Should we rent a car?? Any suggestions of rental car companies?

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Towards sukhumvit? I assume you mean a Thai restaurant.

If you're talking about soi 16, Balee Laos is still open.

If you're talking about soi 22, then Ruen Mallika is still there also.

Thanks. Balee Laos is it!

In a few days, I'm heading back to Bangkok after being away for a few years. I used to stay on soi 16 at The Monterey Condominiums and I'm wondering if a certain restaurant is still in operation. It was located a few hunderd meters from the Monterey, towards sukhumvit, on the left. Sorry, I cannot remember its name, but it had decent food and was decorated very nicely on the inside.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

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